Israeli Political Developments on April 25, 2020
2020 · Jerusalem, Israel
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin tasked allied Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz with forming a government, despite a political deadlock.
Israel Passes the Nation-State Bill
On July 19, 2018, the Israeli Knesset passed the Nation-State Bill, formally known as the Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People. This legislation was passed with a narrow vote of 62 in favor, 55 against, and two abstentions, marking a significant moment in Israel’s legislative history.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Nation-State Bill is a Basic Law, which in Israel holds a quasi-constitutional status. The law includes several key provisions:
Jewish Self-Determination: It declares that the right to exercise national self-determination in the State of Israel is unique to the Jewish people.
State Symbols: It establishes the symbols of the state, including the flag, the menorah emblem, and the national anthem, “Hatikvah.”
Jerusalem as Capital: The law reaffirms Jerusalem as the complete and united capital of Israel.
Language: It downgrades Arabic from an official language to a language with a “special status,” while Hebrew is affirmed as the state’s official language.
Jewish Settlement: It encourages the development of Jewish settlement as a national value and commits to promoting and consolidating such settlements.
Context and Background
The Nation-State Bill was part of a broader legislative agenda by the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The bill aimed to enshrine the Jewish identity of the state into law, amidst ongoing debates about the balance between Israel’s Jewish and democratic character.
Domestic and International Reactions
The passage of the bill sparked significant debate and controversy:
Domestic Reaction: Within Israel, the bill was met with mixed reactions. Supporters argued that it was a necessary affirmation of Israel’s identity as a Jewish state. Critics, including many from Israel’s Arab minority, which constitutes about 20% of the population, viewed it as discriminatory and a step towards undermining the democratic principles of equality.
International Reaction: Internationally, the bill drew criticism from various human rights organizations and foreign governments. Critics argued that it could exacerbate tensions between Jewish and Arab communities within Israel and undermine the peace process with Palestinians.
Aftermath and Significance
The Nation-State Bill has had lasting implications for Israeli society and its legal framework. It has been cited in legal cases and debates concerning minority rights and the nature of Israeli democracy. The law remains a focal point of discussion regarding Israel’s identity and its implications for both domestic policy and international relations.
In summary, the passage of the Nation-State Bill on July 19, 2018, was a pivotal event in Israel’s legislative history, reflecting ongoing tensions between national identity and democratic values. Its impact continues to be felt in Israeli society and politics.